SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – A UCSF clinic is offering dental care for kids with autism to help them overcome sensory challenges during trips to the dentist.
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For many autistic people, going to the dentist can be a difficult experience. There are a number of unique sights, sounds and smells that can be overwhelming, particularly when someone is touching your face or looking in your mouth. Some clinics resort to restraining or sedating these patients, even for the most routine care.
The STAR Smiles Dental Clinic at UCSF seeks to avoid these measures by taking the time to desensitize patients to the experience, setting them up for the lifelong skill of being able to tolerate dental care.
"What we always like to know is, what is this child sensitive about?" said Dr. Jean Calvo, pediatric dentist at UCSF. "Every child with autism is different. I like to first just meet the parents and know a lot about their child."
Calvo told KCBS Radio's "As Prescribed," that the clinic has a special team to work with patients with autism, including behavioral therapists.
"What makes our program really unique — in the dental setting we work with our pediatric dentists and with a behavioral therapist to help us understand types of behavioral interventions that we can use to help going to the dentist more comfortable and easy for children with autism," said Calvo.
At the clinic, distractions are minimal, making patients feel calm in the space. Doctors are also equipped with weighted blankets, ear muffs, sunglasses and an array of toothpaste flavors for the children to choose from.
UCSF STAR Smiles Dental Clinic is one of only a few dentists in the United States that offers this specialized care for children with autism.
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